Ernest Ward Schedules Awards Day
May 23, 2011
Ernest Ward Middle School will hold it’s Awards Day this Wednesday in the school gymnasium. Family members and friends are invited to attend.
The time for each grade level program is as follows:
8th grade — 9:30 – 11:15
6th grade — 11:45 – 1:10
7th grade — 1:30 – 3:00
Photos: Parade Honors Veterans, Armed Forces
May 22, 2011
Groups from several communities came together in Atmore Saturday morning for a combined Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day parade.
A sparse crowd lined the streets of Atmore as the Ernest Ward Middle School Band, the Flomaton High School Band, Northview High School NJROTC, a group from the U.S. Navy and Ernest Ward Middle School Drama Team marched along with area veterans.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the parade, click here.
The gallery also includes reader submitted photos by Leslie Gonzalez and Cheryl Golson.
Pictured top: The U.S. Navy took part in a combined Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day parade Saturday morning in Atmore. Pictured inset: Danielle Suggs portrays a military widow during the parade on the Ernest Ward Middle School Drama team float. Pictured below: Veterans carry the flags during the parade. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Grad Takes Part In Vegas Military Band Exhibition
May 22, 2011
The sights and sounds of Las Vegas are generally associated with the casinos, the endless row of hotels on the Strip, and the ads for the new shows being presented.
Somewhere among the organized chaos that has made Las Vegas so famous, the son of a Cantonment couple was adding his own melody to the mix.
Marine Corps Staff Sgt. David L. Morrell, son of Paul and Mary Ann Morrell of N. Highway 95A, Cantonment, was at the Thomas and Mack Center on the UNLV campus with the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Band for the Las Vegas International Tattoo recently.
The Las Vegas International Tattoo was a musical exhibition to highlight the armed forces and their allies. In addition to the Marine Corps band, the Navy Band Southwest, Air Force Band of the Golden West, and four Canadian and Scottish military and police bagpipe bands played during the performance. The U. S. Army Drill Team also preformed a precision drill routine during the Tattoo.
Morrell, who plays the saxophone, has had a love of music for most of his life.
“I started playing the saxophone at age ten,” said Morrell, a 1996 graduate of Tate High School, Pensacola. “My dad was a big influence on me to appreciate music.”
Playing music, let alone joining the military, was not the first thing on Morrell’s mind when he thought about his future career choices.
“I just wanted a career in music,” said Morrell, who has been a Marine since 1999.
The Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Band preformed and marched to a medley highlighting the creation of our National Anthem and the War of 1812. Morrell and his fellow Marines have been preparing for their performance for several months.
“We spent a couple of months in preparing including a lot of rehearsals,” said Morrell.
Every band played together in an opening sequence, followed by each band or group, in the case of the Army Drill Team and Irish dancers, performing their own sequences before joining all together again for the finale.
The roar of the crowd and the support for the armed forces was enough for Morrell, and the other military performers, to hope for a call next year to return to the festivities.
Pictured top: The Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Band performs and marches to a sequence that highlights the War of 1812 and the development of the National Anthem during the 2001 Las Vegas International Tattoo. Pictured inset: Marine Corps Staff Sgt. David L. Morrell is a member of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Band and recently participated in the Las Vegas International Tattoo, a multi-national military band exhibition that featured not only the Marine Corps band, but other U.S. military and four Canadian and Scottish military and police bagpipe bands. Pictured below: The Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Band, Pipes and Drums, 1st Battalion, Scots Guards, and the U. S. Navy Band Southwest perform at the conclusion. Photos by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Sean Worrell for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge
Featured Recipes: Stir Up Some Fun
May 22, 2011
Who says entertaining guests has to be a lot of work? Whether it’s a dinner party or a casual get-together, with the right recipes you can stir up some crowd-pleasing dishes in hardly any time at all. From delicious dips to a cool twist on classic hot wings to a simple and savory casserole, these recipes make it easy to deliver fun and flavorful food.
(Scroll down to see all of today’s recipes.)
KING RANCH CHICKEN
Ingredients
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 medium white onion, chopped
- 2 teaspoons canola or vegetable oil
- 18 6-inch yellow corn tortillas
- 1 1/2cups chicken stock
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 pound Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies, such as Rotel; drained
- 1 4-ounce can green chilies, drained
- 1/2 pound chicken, cooked and cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Put the drained tomatoes and drained chilies in a medium bowl. Sauté the onions and bell peppers in the 2 teaspoons of oil until the onions turn translucent and the peppers are tender (2 to 3 minutes). Add to the bowl of tomatoes and chilies and mix to combine.
- Blend chicken stock, sour cream, dip mix, salt and black pepper until smooth.
- Spray the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray and cover the bottom of the pan with 6 yellow corn tortillas. Sprinkle 1/3 of the chicken and 1/3 of the vegetable mixture on the layer of tortillas. Pour 1/3 of the sour cream mixture over the vegetables and top with 1/3 of the shredded cheese. Repeat twice, beginning with tortillas and ending with a layer of cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until hot in the center and cheese is melted.
Serves
Makes 6 to 8 servings
HOT CHICKEN WINGS WITH CUCUMBER RANCH DIP
Ingredients
Wing Sauce
- 3/4 cup hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
Cucumber Ranch Dip
- 3 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup Daisy brand sour cream
- 1/2 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons cilantro
- Pinch pepper
Wings
- 16 chicken wings
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
Preparation
- Wing Sauce: Add hot sauce to a pot and bring up to medium heat.
- Add butter and whisk until melted. Set aside.
- Cucumber Ranch Dip: Add ingredients to a bowl and mix thoroughly using a rubber spatula. Set aside.
- Wings: Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Add wings to a sheet tray and toss with oil. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Once the wings are done in the oven, remove them from the sheet tray and dump them into a bowl.
- Add the hot sauce and toss until wings are evenly coated.
- Serve the chicken wings along with cucumber ranch dip for dipping.
Serves
Makes 4 servings
CREAMY GREEN ONION MINI MEATBALLS
Sauce for Meatballs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup Daisy brand sour cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 packet garden onion seasoning mix
Mini Meatballs
- 2 tablespoons garden onion seasoning mix
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably 80/20 ground chuck)
- 3 tablespoons Italian bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon green onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- Pinch salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped – optional garnish
Preparation
- Sauce for Meatballs: Add heavy cream, sour cream and cream cheese to a sauce pot on medium heat. Whisk until ingredients are melted. Then add one packet of dip mix and whisk until smooth. Hold over low heat.
- Mini Meatballs: Preheat oven to 425°F.
- In a mixing bowl, add all ingredients and mix thoroughly. Roll the meat mixture into golf ball size meatballs. Place the meatballs on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 15 minutes.
- Once baked, add the meatballs to meatball sauce and toss to coat. Serve hot. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Serves
Makes 4 to 6 servings
EASY JALAPENO PEPPERS
Ingredients
- 8 medium sized jalapeños
- 4 ounces (1/4 pound) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 8 slices of bacon
- 8 short wooden skewers or wooden toothpicks
- 1 packet guacamole dip prepared according to instructions
- 3 avocados
Preparation
- Create a slit in one side of the jalapeños using a small sharp knife. Do not cut all the way through the ends. Remove the seeds and membrane for a milder popper.
- Stuff a pepper with 1/8 of the cheese. Wrap with a slice of bacon and secure the bacon with a skewer. Repeat with the 7 other peppers.
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Sear poppers on all sides over high heat in a nonstick pan until bacon is golden brown. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes.
- Serve hot with the guacamole on the side.
Serves
Makes 8 poppers
Video: Byrneville Fourth, Fifth Graders Perform “Funky Fifth”
May 22, 2011
Fourth and fifth grade students at Byrneville Elementary School performed Beethoven’s “Funky Fifth” Friday at the school under the direction of music teacher Elaine Holk.
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Davis, Johnson To Wed
May 22, 2011
Darrin Sellers and Tonya Emmons of Cherry Point, NC, announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Nicole Naomi Davis, to Justin Charles Johnson of Century, the son of Dianne Johnson and the late Dewayne Johnson.
Nicole is a 2006 graduate of Northview High School and a graduate of Pensacola State College with an AAS degree in accounting technology.
Justin is also a 2006 graduate of Northview High School. He is currently employed by Smith Industrial Services.
Nicole and Justin are high school sweethearts with a four-year old daughter, Daisy LaRehn Johnson.
The wedding will take place at noon on Saturday, June 4 at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church on Butler Street in Atmore. Family and friends are welcome to attend.
Kevin Harris Retiring From Sheriff’s Office
May 21, 2011
A retirement ceremony was held Friday at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for Kevin Harris. Harris, who is assigned to the Century Precinct, is retiring from the department after 27 years.
Upon his retirement, Harris will receive an honorary promotion to sergeant.
Pictured top: Kevin Harris and family members at his retirement ceremony Friday afternoon at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office in Pensacola. Pictured inset: Lt. Carl Jones shares a memory about Harris as Sheriff David Morgan looks on. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Gardening: It’s Not Necessary To Kill Every Insect
May 21, 2011
Many people think “the only good bug is a dead bug.” Their typical treatment strategy is to “nuke” the lawn using a broad-spectrum insecticide and kill every insect in sight. Unfortunately, this strategy could be making your problems worse.
There are documented cases of outbreaks of Southern chinch bugs on heavily insecticide treated lawns, but not on neighboring untreated lawns. Why? Because healthy lawns are inhabited by a multitude of beneficial insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates that feed on plant debris, fungi, and other insects.
Almost all turfgrass pests have one or more natural enemies that can be important in suppressing their population.
In order to have a healthy and successful lawn, learn to use an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy. IPM is the combined use of cultural, biological and chemical methods for effective, economical pest control with little risk to human health or the environment.
To practice IPM, it’s imperative to know which insects are helpful, harmful or harmless.
Ground beetles
There are many species of predatory ground beetles. Some are rather ferocious looking, resulting in some very worried homeowners. These beetles can range in size from ¼ – 1½ inches and can be black or multicolored. Their antennae are inserted between the eyes. Ground beetles usually are very quick moving and can “seek and destroy” their prey. These insects can be very helpful in controlling a pest insect population.
Spiders
While they are not insects, spiders are surprisingly common and active in grass areas and are very efficient predators. Many species of spiders are beneficial in the garden or lawn, feeding on a wide range of immature insects and mites.
Ants
Some species of ants are carnivorous, seeking out insects and other soft bodied organisms with which to provision the nest. In addition, ant activity often can help in the general breakdown of organic matter and the formation of soil.
Pyramid ants are beneficial ants that nest in sandy soils. Their nests have a single entrance that is surrounded by a crater shaped mound. These pale orange to dark brown slender ants are only about 1/8 inch in length. They are not aggressive and typically will not sting people. They are considered beneficial because they eat pest insects.
Centipedes and Millipedes
Centipedes and millipedes are commonly seen in yards and occasionally enter homes. Neither centipedes nor millipedes damage furnishings, home, or food. Their only importance is that of annoying or frightening individuals.
Final Thoughts
Keep in mind that pest insects are only one of many potential causes for thin or brown grass. Diseases, nematodes, drought, and nutritional disorders can also be damaging. Correct identification of the problem can save money and prevent unnecessary pesticide applications.
Beneficial insects are very sensitive to insecticides, so whenever a general insecticide is applied to control a pest species, the material will usually have a detrimental effect on the beneficial organisms. Consider using alternate methods of pest management, biological control agents (if available and suitable) or providing optimum cultural conditions so that the lawn can tolerate higher levels of pest activity without visible loss of vigor. If an insecticide application is deemed necessary, make spot treatments rather than broad scale applications if at all possible.
FBLA, DCT Learn About Job Opportunities At Navy Federal
May 20, 2011
The Northview High School FBLA and DCT class toured Navy Federal Credit Union in Pensacola this week.
The combined group was give an overview of operations at the Pensacola facility and learned about potential employment opportunities with Navy Federal.
“I did not realize that such an opportunity existed in this area,” said Samuel Ortis, Northview DCT student. Organizers said several students expressed interest in applying for employment at Navy Federal after graduation.
Navy Federal is the world’s largest credit union with nearly 3.6 million members worldwide. There are 1,700 current employees on the Pensacola campus, with over 3,000 employees expected when the campus is fully occupied.
The FBLA students are under the direction of Donna Smith, FBLA advisor and DCT coordinator is Tommy Weaver.
Pictured above: Students watch a presentation in the Navy Federal events room. Pictured below: Students tour the employee fitness center. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Soles4Souls Shoe Collection To Benefit Earthquake, Tornado Victims
May 19, 2011
The Ernest Ward Middle School Student Government Association has teamed with the non-profit organization Soles4Souls to collect shoes in good condition for the victims of the earthquake in Japan and the recent tornadoes in Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia.
The school is collecting the new and gently used shoes (no holes, separated soles or missing laces) from students, staff and the community through May 27.
Soles4Souls has given away over 12 million pairs of shoes through its five year history, currently delivering an average of one pair every seven seconds.
Soles4Souls began as a small team effort to make a difference in peoples’ lives with the gift of shoes after Hurricane Katrina roared into the Gulf Coast in August, 2005. The group’s collections are now distributed to those in need worldwide.